Is Resource Guarding A Bad Thing? Yes? Well, Not So Fast
Many will disagree. But resource guarding is a desirable genetic trait possessed by strong "real dogs" who stay in the fight during protection. Those are the dogs who, when they get hit, kicked, or shot, just get angry and stronger. Such dogs due to IMO improper breeding are selected out of the breeding program - in error. But it needs to be trained and focused on the future purpose of his work and this must be done in the right direction and managed from a pup while at the same time the pup is "trained down" away from dogs and people aggression from the food and toys. But resource guarding is where prey and defense meet. If a breeder wants to produce "real dogs" then he/she should select for strong resource guarding stock. Otherwise, you just produce "pets". Unfortunatelly this is not understood these days. If my ass is on the line then I will go for a dog with a strong resource guarding instinct. If I am selecting a pup for protection or breeding protection dogs, then I will select the pup who eats first while the rest of the pus is respectfully waiting until he is done. But who am I? Right?
So if we desire possessiveness is a good question. It is not that we necessarily want in our dogs the possessiveness of a toy or food per se, but what we are interested in is what such drive brings us in general based on the genetics of inherited possessiveness. It brings us an attitude that reflects itself in other drives. The dog's possessiveness ( genetic) is related to all other drives by attitude. A dog who is more possessive is also more prey-driven, more defense-driven, more dominant, and prefers a fight over flight when under stress. And more and more stress pressure will generate in the dog more and more push back. And it indicates to us a genetic willingness to fight for keeps and to win.
Part of the possessiveness attitude is the part that also reflects itself in making of a fight drive. It is an attitude of being brazen and forward and dominant while in stressful situations. What is the most beautiful about it is that you can see it in a litter of pups and it is telling by training and socialization unadulterated genetic telltale.
Every time I want to select a badass pup for me I put great importance on possessiveness. It is a winning attitude.
Now if you are not a hard person and have a permissive attitude, then such a pup will - or may turn out to be - a sheer nightmare to you. If you are looking for a badass dog who hates to run from a fight, then be careful about what you wish for. Since if you are selecting a possessive pup, especially from old lines as we have, then you may get it and then some on top of it. So better be sure that you can handle it or you will learn why today's gentle society does not prefer to breed such dogs. But for working LE, Military or PP dog it is a highly desirable trait. Trait which working GSD ought to possess.
So if we desire possessiveness is a good question. It is not that we necessarily want in our dogs the possessiveness of a toy or food per se, but what we are interested in is what such drive brings us in general based on the genetics of inherited possessiveness. It brings us an attitude that reflects itself in other drives. The dog's possessiveness ( genetic) is related to all other drives by attitude. A dog who is more possessive is also more prey-driven, more defense-driven, more dominant, and prefers a fight over flight when under stress. And more and more stress pressure will generate in the dog more and more push back. And it indicates to us genetic willingness to fight for keeps and to win.
Part of the possessiveness attitude is the part that also reflects itself in making of a fight drive. It is an attitude of being brazen and forward and dominant while in stressful situations. What is the most beautiful about it is that you can see it in a litter of pups and it is telling by training and socialization unadulterated genetic telltale.
Every time I want to select a badass pup for me I put great importance on possessiveness. It is a winning attitude.
Now if you are not a hard person and have a permissive attitude, then such a pup will - or may turn out to be - a sheer nightmare to you. If you are looking for a badass dog who hates to run from a fight, then be careful about what you wish for. Since if you are selecting a possessive pup, especially from old lines as we have, then you may get it and then some on top of it. So, you better be sure that you can handle it, or you will learn why today's gentle society does not prefer to breed such dogs. But for working LE, Military or PP dog it is a highly desirable trait. A trait which working GSD ought to possess.
The key takeaways from my post are:
1. **Value of Resource Guarding**: I argue that resource guarding is a desirable trait in dogs bred for protection roles. Such dogs display resilience and determination under duress, qualities deemed essential for effective guard or protection dogs.
2. **Breeding and Selection**: I criticize contemporary breeding practices that deselect dogs showing strong resource guarding, deeming it a mistake. For producing dogs with the desired traits for protection work, selecting for strong resource guarding is recommended.
3. **Training and Management**: The importance of early, focused training is emphasized by me. Dogs must be trained to channel their guarding instincts appropriately while being discouraged from aggression towards people and other animals.
4. **Possessiveness as a Comprehensive Trait**: I outline a broader perspective on possessiveness, not just in terms of food or toys, but as an indicator of a dog's overall drive and demeanor. A possessive dog is seen as more driven, dominant, and capable of handling stress through aggression rather than avoidance.
5. **Selection for Temperament**: When selecting a pup, I value possessiveness highly, associating it with a "winning attitude" and suitability for roles in law enforcement, military, or personal protection.
6. **Challenges for Owners**: I acknowledge that such traits can be challenging for owners who are not prepared to handle a dominant, assertive dog. I advise caution in selecting a dog with these characteristics, highlighting the potential difficulties for individuals or societies that prefer gentler dog breeds.
7. **Cultural and Practical Implications**: My discussion reflects on broader societal shifts away from breeding dogs with these aggressive traits, pointing out a potential mismatch between the needs of certain professional applications and general societal preferences for pet dogs.
My post strongly suggests that while possessiveness and resource guarding are complex and potentially challenging traits, they are highly valued in specific contexts, such as work with law enforcement, military, and personal protection, where such characteristics are essential for performance.